Assam: Forest Officer demands fuel cost before responding to trapped elephant in Bijni

A wild elephant trapped in the Borpathar-Longthaijhar area of Assam's Bijni was left unattended for hours as the local forest department allegedly delayed its response due to a lack of diesel in their vehicle. Forest Officer Alongbar Basumatary on June 22 reportedly told locals they could not reach the site unless fuel costs were covered.

The incident came to light after a phone call between residents and the forest office went viral on social media, sparking outrage. In the call, Basumatary can be heard stating that the team lacked fuel and could not dispatch a vehicle without financial support.

Only after locals agreed to bear the fuel expenses did the forest team begin preparations to head to the location. By then, the elephant had reportedly grown agitated, raising concerns among nearby villagers about potential damage or injury.

Eyewitnesses claim the elephant had strayed into the area early in the morning, possibly in search of food or water, and had become disoriented. Local efforts to guide it back to the forest proved ineffective, prompting the call to authorities.